5 Tips For Buying Fine Art Photography

Have you been considering buying Fine Art Photography?

If you have a lonely blank wall that you would like to fill with a beautiful piece of artwork but don’t know where to start, this article is for you.

You most likely have many questions. What kind of art are you looking for? How do you know if it’s a good buy? Where do you buy it from? How do you find emerging and established artists to buy from?

We will cover all of those questions and help you to build a solid foundation for you to look towards buying your first piece of art.

Ultimately you want a stunning piece of artwork that you absolutely love and are more than happy to have featured on your wall for many years to come, a few more factors will contribute towards your purchase such as budget, size, technique and connection. In this article we will cover these elements for you and more. Let’s dive in.

Beauty and connection are the main players when buying Fine Art Photography

What should you look for when buying art? Beauty and connection are two very important factors in the buying process. You want a piece of art that speaks to you, that calls you, that you can connect with easily.

You want a piece of artwork that will not only beautify your wall but will offer aesthetics in terms of colour, composition and contrast.

You want a piece of artwork that has meaning to you, you love it and there is a reason why you do love it. A piece of artwork that you will find yourself standing in front of just staring at. A piece of artwork that you are proud to tell your visitors about. Look to be inspired by your chosen piece.

After that, we need to cover a few more very important factors such as buying quality, researching the artist, and ensuring your artwork is authentic. All important factors to ensure you are investing in quality art.

There are two markets to buy from

In general there are two artist markets. You can buy from Established Artists, or you can buy from Emerging Artists.

Buying fine art photography from Emerging Artists is generally less expensive if you are on a budget. This doesn’t lessen your investment but it supports Emerging Artists to explore their creativity and continue their career in creating. It can also be a good chance to buy from a ‘yet to be discovered artist’ before a bigger crowd jumps on board.

Buying from Established Artists has added benefits as you are buying the artists status and reputation, as well as their artwork.

Keep in mind that buying art is a long term investment. Buying from Emerging Artists is important, as today their work is yet to be discovered on a world scale, but one day in the future the artist you are buying from may actually become a globally Established Artist. What this artist is creating today may also set the tone for what art will look like in the future, in 20 or 40 years.

Contemporary art is constantly evolving. New methods and concepts are being released every day, while traditional methods will always be treasured, art will look different as time passes and new artists come through.

Research the Artist

If you have found a few examples of fine art photographs that you like, that have beauty and meaning the next step is to research the artist. Pretty much all artists have an online presence whether it be a website or a social media page. Look through their website, visit their Instagram account or find out where you can see their work if they are holding an exhibition.

Look for honesty and integrity and a genuine love of what they create and why they create it. Artists share what they see in their minds eye and their concepts and methods should be unique and their work would very much have a signature style across their portfolio. The artists individual artworks will be recognised as belonging to them within a greater collection of art.

Often, on an artists website will be a list of credentials and experience. You may find examples of awards, publications and exhibitions depending on where the artist is up to in his or her career.

How to ensure the artwork you are buying is authentic

If we’re looking further into the buying process with a particular artist the next step is to look into the possibility of the paper work provided by the artist to ensure the authenticity of their artwork. It is important to ensure that the artwork you are buying is an authentic piece from the artist.

Some artists use a stamp or seal, many have varied ways but the most common item of paperwork to ensure authenticity is provided in the form of a completed and signed Certificate of Authenticity.

Many artists will provide a signed Certificate or Authenticity with their artworks. If the fine art photograph you are buying is of Limited Edition, the photograph would be signed, numbered and dated, and the Certificate of Authenticity will include matching details.

You may also get a signed receipt or a marked page from the artist describing what the artwork is about. All important documents to have accompany your chosen fine art photograph.

Quality is integral when buying Fine Art Photography

Look into the quality of the artwork you’re considering buying. Does the artist provide their photograph printed on plain photographic paper? Canvas? Fine Art Paper?

There are simple photographic papers and then there are fine art papers, even archival papers. Enquire into whether the paper your photograph will be printed on will be resin coated (mainly plastic), or natural fibre based. It is important for longevity that the paper is of high quality and that the print process is of high quality also.

The major brands responsible for the best photographic papers; Hahnemuehle, Ilford, Canson, are a safe bet in knowing your artwork is of high quality. Most printers who offer Hahnemhule papers must also become certified printers ensuring the correct process is adhered to. There is currently only 9 Certified Hahnemuhle Printers within Australia.

Custom framing either when you are buying fine art photography or very soon after your artwork arrives, is important also to ensure the longevity of your artwork. Custom framers use acid free backing boards and tapes. All of these elements are going to play a big part in ensuring the life span of your investment.

Limited Edition versus Open Edition Prints

Generally speaking, artworks that are a one off, or are of Limited Edition are more sought after than mass produced pieces. Open Edition photographs have an open run and there is an unlimited number of copies that can be bought or sold.

One million people could buy a copy if they wished to… of course that would mean there would be one million copies on the planet and they would not as rare or as exclusive as Limited Edition artworks, where a limited number exist.

Limited Edition fine art photographs have a limited print run. In my case, many of my artworks are limited to 100 only. Each photograph that is sold is numbered up to 100.

For example 1 of 100, or 55 of 100. One 100 copies of that photograph have been bought, that is it. There will absolutely be no more. Once the 100 copies are out in the world they become more valuable as that particular photograph can no longer be bought from the artist.

Where to go to buy Fine Art Photography

A good place to start in your search for a piece of artwork that offers beauty and meaning would be your local Art Gallery.

Campbelltown Art Gallery is my closest, they hold exhibitions all year around showcasing many emerging artists. You can see artworks for yourself or speak to someone there who is experienced.

Lots of small, independent art galleries exist in rural areas as well as major cities. Sometimes artist funded they hold exhibitions regularly and are a wealth of knowledge in referring emerging artists. Art shows pop up once or twice a year also in major cities, sign up to receive newsletters and notifications of up coming shows.

Today there are also many online platforms to look for art pieces that attract your eye. From Instagram to Blue Thumb. Art Lovers Australia to Artsy.net

Of course there are also the major Art Galleries in each state, the Art Gallery of NSW for example.

If you need help buying my artwork, I am here and happy to answer any questions you may have. There is also the option of a Print Consultation where we can go through my artworks, your chosen room and also framing options.

Thank you so much for being here,

The Humble Hunter x